Ranger teaches about falcons at library

Saturday

Aug 23, 2014 at 3:36 PM

Although Chimney Rock Park Ranger Stephen Tillotson couldn’t bring a live Peregrine falcon into the Edneyville Library for his presentation on the super birds of the park, he was able to find a willing volunteer to dress up and play the part.

By RENEE BINDEWALD Times-News Staff Writer

Although Chimney Rock Park Ranger Stephen Tillotson couldn’t bring a live Peregrine falcon into the Edneyville Library for his presentation on the super birds of the park, he was able to find a willing volunteer to dress up and play the part. Thirty-three-year-old Kim Baird jumped at the opportunity to help out during the ranger’s presentation, even though she said she’s been deathly afraid of birds since a scary encounter with a pelican as a child. While Baird stood with her arms out and poncho over her chest to represent the falcon’s feathers, Tillotson pulled out comically large sunglasses to for Baird to wear. The ranger explained that the falcon’s eyes are so large that they would be the size of tennis balls on a human. “We talked about how they’re the fastest animal in the world, but since we like to keep things slow and safe in the park, I’ve got a speeding ticket here for my falcon,” Tillotson said as he handed a pink ticket over his loyal volunteer as the children laughed. Branch Manager Teresa Weaver met the ranger coming in to pick up his daughter Samantha, 3, after story time earlier this summer. After the two got to talking, she said she was thrilled he offered to bring his program to the branch, once the summer season slowed down at the park. “It is so wonderful to have him because he’s so knowledgeable,” Weaver said. “I know he’ll be doing a lot more programs out in the county.”Baird, who lives in Dana, said the Edneyville branch is her family’s home library because it is close, private, and they can get everything they need.“We love coming to library programs all of the time,” Baird said. “It is always really great and informational for the kids, and we always end up bringing home lots of books and movies.”The mother of two spunky boys said the programs are great for her too, because she’s in school for environmental studies and gets a chance to see some of the real world applications of her course work. “Then I can relate it to everything when I have it in class and I am like, ‘oh yeah,’” Baird said. “Then I try to teach the kids on their level as much as I can.”Tillotson will return to the Edneyville Branch at 10 a.m. Sept. 22 for a presentation on butterflies. Reach Bindewald at 694-7890 or renee.bindewald@blueridgenow.com.